Cardiologists say some heart patients get too many drugsHeart attack survivors are usually prescribed a beta blocker, an ACE inhibitor, clopidogrel, a statin and aspirin, at minimum, but some heart patients are on up to 30 drugs. Some recommendations are based on old data, and new research suggests some drugs do not work as promised. Moreover, doctors may be reluctant to suggest discontinuing a drug once prescribed, experts say. Reuters
(3/13)

Don't Wait to Be Asked: LeadA roadmap for increasing your influence at work. Learn more through insights from Kellogg School of Management Professor Harry Kraemer.

ADVERTISEMENT

Medical Focus

Study finds variation in LVEF measurementTertiary care centers were more likely to measure left ventricular ejection fraction, considered a key performance indicator, in hospitalized heart failure patients than non-tertiary hospitals, according to findings presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting. Researchers found that for the study period, 70% of the tertiary care facilities measured LVEF, compared with only 48% for non-tertiary hospitals. Of the LVEF tests assessed, 70% were conducted with echocardiography, 25% used angiography and 7% used a nuclear medicine procedure. Researchers said there is a need to increase efforts to boost LVEF measurement in non-tertiary facilities. CardiovascularBusiness.com
(3/11)

Diabetes patients taking drug have less chest painData on 927 diabetes patients showed those who took Gilead Sciences' angina drug Ranexa had 3.8 episodes of chest pain per week, while those who received a placebo experienced 4.3 per week. Ranexa-treated patients also required less nitroglycerin, researchers reported at the American College of Cardiology meeting. Reuters
(3/10)

Cardiac ultrasound devices from Toshiba debutThe Aplio 300 CV and Aplio 500 CV ultrasound devices were being showcased by Toshiba America Medical Systems at the American College of Cardiology meeting. The devices incorporate the company's 2D wall motion tracking system for quantitative evaluation and imaging of myocardial wall motion, and they can be used with premium 2D heart tests. AuntMinnie.com (free registration)
(3/8)

Physicians must be heard on reform before it's too late, doc saysAmid debate about payment reform and quality improvement, physicians must step up and speak out now as the health care industry and society attempt to define "value" in medicine, said Wisconsin cardiologist Dr. Thomas Lewandowski during a presentation at the American College of Cardiology meeting. "Unfortunately, if we don't do a better job assessing ourselves, there are plenty of organizations out there that will be very [willing] to determine what should be the quality of care or value that we provide," Lewandowski warned. CardiovascularBusiness.com
(3/10)

Mark Your Calendar -- Free MPI Webinar March 27!Registration is now open for the second complimentary webinar hosted by ASNC and IAEA. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 27, for the live webinar, titled "The Value of MPI." This webinar is the second in a series of six live webinars designed to increase knowledge of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) among cardiologists, radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians. Check the corresponding time for your area and country and register today! These webinars do not offer continuing medical education.